Overview
- Authorities say Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, confessed to setting the fire because of the building’s Jewish ties; he faces federal and state arson charges and remains hospitalized with burn injuries.
- Investigators cite security video showing gasoline poured inside before ignition, and a state hate‑crime enhancement accompanies the first‑degree arson charge.
- The blaze destroyed the library and administrative offices, incinerated two Torahs, left others smoke‑damaged, and damaged memorial art and a decades‑old Moses sculpture, with a shofar still missing.
- Surviving Torahs were moved to a church for airing and will be evaluated by a master sofer, and damaged prayer books will be buried in keeping with Jewish tradition.
- Beth Israel is closed indefinitely as donations are solicited, nearby churches offer worship space, and leaders say rebuilding could take at least a year.